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SA's Harris sets sights on qualifying for French Open

Johannesburg - Rising South African tennis sensation, Lloyd Harris, will be hoping to join fellow countrymen, Kevin Anderson and Raven Klaasen, in the main draw of next week’s French Open in Paris.

The 21-year-old Capetonian made the qualifying cut for the second Grand Slam of the year and will on Monday play Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the opening round.

The two have never squared off before.

Harris is expecting a challenge from the 17-year-old Canadian, a former US Open junior champion.

“I have not played Felix before, but he is a really tough young player and I am looking forward to an exciting match today,” Harris said on Monday.

Harris, ranked 213 this week on the ATP singles rankings, said he was pleased to be playing in his first Grand Slam qualifying event, since turning professional in 2015.

“This is what you work for, for your entire career. I am excited to compete against all the best players on the main stage.”

Harris added that he was feeling comfortable on the clay. “My preparation has been good so far on clay and the courts at Roland Garros are playing nicely. Having reached the quarter- finals of the Challenger in Samarkand last week has given me confidence. Now it’s time for another big push.”

Harris has some experience of Roland Garros, having played at the venue in 2014, at the Junior French Open.

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